NFL Top 10 Running Backs 2011

Friendly Disclaimer: The following list is influenced largely — but not strictly — by film study of all 32 teams from the 2010 season. Stats weren’t acknowledged, but players with poor numbers generally don’t make Top 10 lists anyway. Vague enough for you? Criteria for Top 10 lists tend to be. That’s why most of you will have no trouble finding some disagreement with what you’re about to read. (Last year’s ranking in parenthesis)

10. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers (6)

Not many runners possess his combination of power and finesse. (The finesse side of his game remains underrated.)

9. Michael Turner, Falcons (NR)

Style of play suggests he’s bound to hit a wall soon, but we’ll deal with that when it happens (or we’ll just write the guy off). Right now, he remains the best tackle-breaking bell cow in the NFC.

8. Steven Jackson, Rams (3)

Wear and tear is taking a bit of a toll, but tenacity and wisdom are picking up enough of the slack (for now).

7. Ray Rice, Ravens (4)

Struggled uncharacteristically at times in 2010, but not enough to make you lose appreciation for his lateral agility, vision, unassuming power and versatility.

6. Frank Gore, 49ers (8)

The consummate downhill runner. Plays his heart out every Sunday, too.

5. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (5)

The most difficult player in the league to tackle. Can also destroy opponents with his pass-blocking and receiving.

4. Chris Johnson, Titans (1)

A threat to score on every down, but must develop a greater appreciation for the four-yard gain.

3. Arian Foster, Texans (NR)

Perfect fit in Houston’s runner-friendly zone-blocking scheme, though a player with his supple power and east-west explosiveness is a perfect fit in a lot of systems.

2. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs (NR)

Record-setting 2010 numbers (6.4 yards per carry!) were a genuine reflection of his playmaking prowess. He’s Chris Johnson only with more run-to-run consistency.

1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (2)

It’s somewhat of a shame that the most violent, explosive ballcarrier in the game (by far) has had to overcome shoddy blocking the past two years.